Every iconic television personality gives some version of a key phrase or signature quote. For Geralt of Rivia from The Witcher, that quote was less of a quippy saying or word of wisdom and more of a guttural grunt. Which, of course, is well in-tune with his video game self as well.
These grunts come in all shapes and sizes, some resembling something of a thought-provoking "Hmm..." and others more of an authoritative "Hmm!" but whatever the case, Geralt was a man of few words, and a man of many grunts.
As such, here are his ten best grunts from season one of The Witcher, ranked.
Doesn't Rhyme
When dealing with Stregobor, who Geralt is already skeptical of, he takes every opportunity to contradict the wizard and go against his wit and whimsies. In this particular instance, Stregobor has tried to use a prophecy to justify why Geralt needs to kill Renfri. In response, Geralt gives his thoughtful grunt, but responds to Stregobor with a line pulled straight from The Last Wish story compilation:
"Doesn't rhyme. All good predictions rhyme."
Thus Geralt's wit continues to flourish in the Netflix series, always accompanied by his signature grunt and his thoughtful expressions.
No More Wine?
Those acquainted with The Witcher novels, short stories and video games will be familiar with the opening scenes of Geralt in bed with a topless prostitute. He shows very little interest by the time the viewer is tuning in, and the grunt is building up for the perfect moment.
That moment comes when Geralt leans over to fetch the wine, only to find it empty. With no words required, Geralt delivers his token grunt and the viewer is immediately in complete understanding with what Geralt is feeling in the moment.
Navigating Fools
When Geralt sits at the royal table with Queen Calanthe, The Witcher gives us the scene most saturated with grunts. Geralt grunts four times in this witty exchange of egos alone, but that one that speaks the most is one of his patented introspective groans.
After bantering with Calanthe about the ridiculous customs and decorum of royal life, Calanthe turns to Geralt and says "spoken as one who has navigated his own share of fools." Geralt responds immediately with a subdued grunt that simply says "you have no idea how stupid most people are to me."
His Dear Pal, Roach
The opening episode of The Witcher series on Netflix wasn't an easy one for Geralt to get through. He has to deal with a dissenting public, far too many wizards, a woman he might have been well-suited for (and having to kill her) and essentially being reminded that he has no place in society. He has no friends. Jaskier and Yennefer haven't come around yet. He is alone.
Except, of course, for his trusty and loyal Roach. While Geralt has been known to have full-blown conversations with his mount, in one particular introspective moment, he nuzzles dear Roach and says nothing, instead resorting to a simple grunt that both affectionate and meaningful. These two are pals.
In The Bath With Jaskier
Everyone loves Jaskier right from the off. Everyone except Geralt, who has to warm up to the Bard following him everywhere he goes. In episode four, Geralt is in his favorite place—the bathtub—and Jaskier is trying to get through to him. While Geralt grunts many times in this particular scene and is scolded by Jaskier early on to "stop your boorish grunts of protest," it's one grunt in particular that makes it onto this list.
Geralt confesses to needing no one, and no one needing him, to which Jaskier says, "and yet, here we are."
He's loaded up the grunt cannon and Geralt takes it and fires, grunting resignedly and turning away from the man who he won't yet admit is his friend.
Here Are Your Coins
While fighting over a bottle containing a djinn, Jaskier comes out the worse, his throat swells up, and he is going to die if not given immediate magical medical attention. No matter what Geralt tries, he can't find a solution until he is tipped off that Yennefer, a witch, has set up camp in the mayor's house.
When Geralt arrives, he is told by a guard that there will be no visitors tonight... unless bribed. Which is rarely a good idea when confronted with Geralt. In response, Geralt grunts, withdraws a bag of coins, shows them to the man outside to prove that he can pay, and then uppercuts the man with said bag of coins and knocks him unconscious.
Grunt Punch
When Geralt grunts, he is thinking about something or establishing his next plan of action. In this particular instance (similar to the one just before), he had just asked Ostrit how to lift the curse on Adda. Ostrit refuses to tell Geralt how, as he wants to see Foltest punished for what he did to Adda.
For Geralt, that wasn't the right answer, so he delivers his token grunt, processes what Ostrit said, strides over and decks him in the face. The punch knocks Ostrit out and Geralt proceeds to tie the man up and use him as bait to draw out the striga that is Adda. Of the different variety of grunts, this was a prolonged "Hmmm..." that sounded more like an "I guess I have to punch him after all."
Quite The Orgy
Geralt is certainly no stranger to sexual escapades, but when he goes in search of Yennefer hoping that she can heal a dying Jaskier, he stumbles upon one particular sexual escapade that evokes something of a curious grunt from him.
Yennefer has taken over a fanciful house and, in her boredom, creates a wild orgy full of about 100 naked people. Geralt looks around, studies the scene, finally spots Yennefer, and with a note of acceptance and understanding, grunts. He has found his mark. It doesn't matter what else is happening around him.
Jaskier's Response
This one is a special one because it's the only time in The Witcher that someone communicates with Geralt using his native tongue—grunting.
While on the hunt for the dragon, a hunt that, naturally, Geralt would rather be engaging in without his trusty bard companion, we see a particular moment of solidarity between these two begrudging allies, when Geralt smiles and grunts, Jaskier smiles and grunts right back. There was nothing particularly monumental about Geralt's grunt here, it was his usual tone, but it's Jaskier's response that makes the moment special.
Found Someone
On the hunt for the dragon, Geralt ends up finding a lot of the companionship he's never found (or looked for) previously. While in bed with Yennefer, his conversation is particularly thought (and grunt) provoking.
When Geralt asks Yennefer if she's always dreamt of becoming a mother, she says, "I dreamed of becoming important to someone, someday." It's a statement that reflects what Jaskier spoke to Geralt about in the bathtub that lead to another high-ranking grunt. Only this time, Geralt is speaking with someone who he does end up needing.
This grunt was something of an "I've heard that before" with a key note of acceptance, that this is something Geralt has wanted, and perhaps now found, as well.